Seed Production Areas
Sustainable Seed Production
Seed production areas have been established to reduce pressure of collection on our natural bushland and wetland areas and to educate people about the importance of our local plants. The Centre propagates approximately 5,000 plants per annum and the seed production areas contribute to sustainable outcomes.
Seedlings were used to establish a dryland seed production area (dry SPA) and a wetland seed production area (wet SPA). Direct seeding was not considered an option due to the presence of invasive weeds. Annual plantings continue to expand both sites and seed collection from certain plants was possible when the SPAs were only 1-year old. Future projects hope to create a linkage between the wet and dry SPAs to establish plants that occupy the transition from wetland to dryland vegetation. The SPAs have been successful in contributing to sustainable seed production, improved biodiversity, and provide a valuable training opportunity for volunteers and work experience students.
Establishment of the Dry SPA
During 1999 the Centre established the first stage of a dryland seed production area (dry SPA). It was located in close proximity to the Centre for ease of access, frequent maintenance and educational/training opportunities. Alcoa's 'Wetlands, Rivers & Habitats' and the Natural Heritage Trust funded the project and the Centre has maintained it beyond the term of funding. Watering of the seedlings during the establishment phase has been necessary to improve survival rates due to the impoverished nature of the sandy soils.
The Wet SPA
The first seedlings were established at the wet SPA during October 2004 with funding provided by the Perth Biodiversity Project, City of Cockburn and Alcoa World Alumina. Site preparation required intensive labour using a combination of spraying, slashing and hand removal techniques. Follow-up weed control has been the most labour-intensive task in the wetland environs. Mulching of the waterlogged zones has reduced some of these efforts. Annual plantings continue to expand the wet SPA every year.
